A Storm, a Saw Handle, and Bram Stoker’s Surprise Ending
September 24, 2010
So the other day we had this storm come through that I thought might actually break some windows. I was down in my subterranean shop working, when one of the cats came scuttling down the stairs and disappeared around the corner. That’s never a good sign, is it, when the wildlife vanishes. I had only a few moments to ponder this odd behavior before debris began hitting the house and everything shuddered. Then came the faint wail of the tornado siren. It was like being on a movie set—“Release the frightened animal! Storm! Siren! Action!” I obeyed my cue to action and went upstairs. I couldn’t believe it. The last time I’d been upstairs it was sunny out, but now it looked like a scene penned by Bram Stoker. Horizontal rain. Stuff flying everywhere. The windows creaked and the lights flickered. Hmm. What to do? What to do? Grab a putter and run outside like the priest from Caddyshack? No. I don’t golf. And besides, isn’t a captain supposed to go down with his ship? Maybe I should don a Gorton’s Fisherman rain slicker and grimly head for the wheelhouse. That would have been the stoic thing to do. But I don’t own one of those sweet rain slickers. So I did the next best thing—I slipped a small flashlight into my pocket and went back downstairs. I figured I might as well just keep working until the power went out. But to my surprise, try as it might, the power never stayed out. And after awhile, not only did the thunderstorm subside, but the finishing touches I was putting on this handle came to an end as well. And all of the woodland creatures reemerged from wherever they’d been hiding—an ending that Bram Stoker would have never seen coming.
Eccentric Toolworks 
Andrew!
Now that is just one disgustingly,beautiful left handed saw! The handle design and the detailed workmanship/craftsmanship is outstanding! It appears that the medallion screw doesn’t go through the blade. Must be the camera angle because I can’t imagine only one screw doing the job unless you have worked some more of your magic there. The larger lower end of the hand grip gives it added distinction. Is that unusual shape meant to encourage a lighter grip?
Yesterday I finished mounting the tote on my new concept saw. It’s a weird look’n thing. Between naps and trips to the doctor I’ve been working on the saw all week. I don’t know how you do it day after day. Grueling.
On a dark and stormy night….enjoyed your little story there. Hope Leo is ok.
Take care,
Marv
Hi Marv,
Thanks for the kind remarks. Yes indeed the screw from the medallion does pierce the blade; the blade continues up under the bolt inside the handle. And that handle shape, there are several reasons I do that—I really should write a whole other blog entry about it. But yeah it’s very comfortable.
I look forward to seeing your concept saw—you’ll have to send me some pictures! Catch you later.
Andrew
That’s absolutely beautiful.
Which timber is the handle made from? Rare to see such a light coloured wood on a saw handle. Really special.
Thank you very much. The wood is curly maple. It darkens gradually with age and takes on a very nice hue. One of my favorites. Take care.
Andrew
Andrew, this is a beauty! I realy like the shape off the tote, I like the fact that it is a little “fater” at the bottom. Again, great looking piece!!
Cheers
David
Thanks David, nice to hear from you! Hope all is well with you. That shape to the handle, glad you like it; I’ve always done them that way; this handle is just a little larger to accommodate the customer’s hand. Take it easy.
Andrew